The Weyburn Agricultural Society played host to members of the Saskatchewan Association of Agricultural Societies and Exhibitions (SAASE) on February 25 and 26. The provincial convention featured several events, such as an awards ceremony, workshops, educational displays, guest speakers, and an important funding announcement from Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Bill Hutchinson.
Hutchinson told SAASE members that the Government of Saskatchewan will contribute $50,000 toward community and event development through the SAASE Venture Project Program. The funding will have a focus on tourism and developing new events with wide appeal. It will also be used to promote and enhance the quality of life within communities around Saskatchewan.
"We are pleased to help SAASE develop additional successful local events that will result in more tourism, enhanced local pride and an even better quality of life," Hutchinson said. "Programs such as the Venture Project Program provide tremendous value to all Saskatchewan residents by highlighting the importance of our province's agriculture industry."
The SAASE Venture Project Program has been in place since 1996 and has been used to assist numerous events and projects around the province by supplying the seed money to get those projects up and running. The funding will allow SAASE to increase the impact of the existing program by assisting its members to develop new events and programs.
"Agriculture Societies have become an institution that serves to bring together both rural and urban citizens for entertainment, education and at times competition," SAASE President Dave Young said. "Many events that are now presented annually would not have been possible without the SAASE Venture Project Program."
Weyburn Ag. Society President Wendy Neiszner said that the local Society wants to use funding money to improve washroom facilities on Exhibition Grounds. They are also hoping to bring the Chuck Wagon finals to Weyburn in August, bringing approximately 150 wagons and many more people with it.
